Monday Links: Fun spring training game, too bad we can’t watch it

Blake Swihart, the Red Sox number one prospect. Photo by Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.smugmug.com

The Red Sox are on television today. Self proclaimed 2015 Cy Young winner Joe Kelly is on the mound opposite of Tommy John comeback kid and Mets ace, Matt Harvey. Boston’s roster is touting just about all of their starters, and the Mets will start their own slew of big time names.

Yet, no camera crew will be there. Such is spring training.

Trade rumors have been abound this winter linking the Red Sox to Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels, but up until this point Boston has been unwilling to meet Philly’s demands. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has held firm in his desire to reel in Sox top catching prospect Blake Swihart in exchange for his lefty. However, Swihart is a player that Boston will not — and should not — deal. (Why the idea of trading Blake Swihart for Cole Hamels, is, was, and will always be laughable)

The loss of Jacoby Ellsbury last offseason effected the Red Sox offense in more ways than one. Perhaps the most glaring hole left by the center fielder’s departure, however, was in the speed game. In 2014, Boston’s run game was almost non-existent, as the team relied on the likes of Shane Victorino to pick up some of the slack left by Ellsbury. But with the emergence of Mookie Betts, the signing of Rusney Castillo, and Shane Victorino’s return to health, the Red Sox figure to boast a revamped speed threat on the base paths. (Red Sox appear ready to do more running this season)

Yoan Moncada has yet to play a baseball game in the United States, but the hype surrounding the 19-year old is growing by the day. Known for his 5-tool skill set, the Cuban born infielder already figures to rank within the top 10 prospects in the MLB. (MLB.com rankes Yoan Moncada the 9th-best prospect in baseball)

With a little less than a month to go before the Red Sox hit the field on Opening Day in Philadelphia, the team must use the remaining weeks in Fort Myers to figure out some pressing roster questions. Mookie Betts is forcing his way onto the roster, the rotation seems a bit rusty, and the bullpen is up in the air. But whatever happens between now and April 6th, the Red Sox seem to boast the depth to weather any storm. (Five things still to lean about the Boston Red Sox)